Postdoctoral Associate appointment at MIT's Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research

Primary Responsibilities:

The MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research (MKI) is looking for a Postdoctoral Associate to carry out independent and collaborative research programs in stellar astrophysics, with broad emphasis on star formation (such as the evolution of accreting low-mass stars with circumstellar disks), or on stellar winds and characteristics of high-mass stars.  The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to one or more ongoing projects in these areas of research and to initiate new observational, archival, or theoretical programs in stellar astrophysics. Members of our group work primarily with Chandra High Energy Transmission Grating (HETG) spectra, but use a variety of data from Chandra X-ray imaging and spectroscopic instruments (high and low resolution), as well as X-ray, UV, optical, and infrared spectra from other ground and space-based observatories.

The candidate is expected to either be familiar with low- and high-resolution X-ray spectral analysis methods and the use of astrophysical plasma models and diagnostics, or to be interested in including these techniques in their own research projects. To get a complete picture of star formation and related phenomena (e.g., stellar activity, accretion, winds, and coronae), interpretation of multiwavelength observations benefit from simulations and theory.  We will therefore, consider applications from observers with experience in any waveband, as well as from theorists, but we expect a willingness to learn about, and to work with X-ray data, for example by reducing and analyzing X-ray spectra or developing models that can be directly compared to observations.  Experience with spectral analysis at any wavelength is preferred.

MIT is a member of the Magellan Telescope Consortium, which includes a budget of observing time.  The high energy astrophysics group also participates in the Chandra Guaranteed Time Observation Program for the HETG.  While not required, the successful applicant will be encouraged to utilize these resources when pursuing their research interests.

Supervision Received:

The individual will report to Prof. David Huenemoerder.

Supervision Exercised:

No direct reports. The individual may monitor and coordinate the work of students and temps.

Requirements:

A Ph.D. in astronomy or physics, with demonstrated initiative and experience working in modern stellar astrophysics research, in particular star formation, stellar activity, or stellar winds.

Applicants should apply online through the MIT jobs portal at http://careers.mit.edu with a CV and statement of research

interests (3-4 page summary of recent work including ongoing projects) and also submit their CV, publications list, statement of research interests, and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to Dr. David Huenemoerder, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Room NE83-559, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307; or to [email protected].

This will be an anticipated two year appointment, reappointed yearly, with a third year upon performance and funding availability.

MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestory, or national or ethnic origin.